Abstract: One embodiment provides an adjustable guide 10a to steer the end 90 of a pipe string 88 into position to be engaged and supported by a pipe gripping apparatus such as, for example, an externally gripping elevator assembly 10. The adjustable guide 10a may comprise a plurality of angularly distributed guide inserts 30, each having a sloped surface 30A to engage a pipe end 90. Another embodiment provides an adjustable guide 60a to steer a pipe connection into position to pass through a spider 60. The guide inserts 30, 80 of an adjustable guide may be controllably positionable to together form a guide that is concentric with the bore of the tapered bowl of an elevator assembly or a spider. One embodiment comprises a guide insert retainer 11 having a plurality of channels 28, each slidably receiving a guide insert 30 and positionable by rotation of a threaded shaft 40.

Abstract: A toothed pipe gripping die insert has textured surfaces on the die surface opposite the pipe gripping teeth to reduce the insert-to-insert carrier contact surface area to increase unit loading such that selected loads forcing the die insert against its carrier impresses the textured pattern into the carrier surface to reduce the tendency for the die insert to slide on the die carrier surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus for supporting a tubular that more evenly distributes stress along the contact length of a tubular. In one embodiment, an apparatus for supporting a tubular is provided. The apparatus includes a bowl having a longitudinal opening extending therethrough and an inner surface for receiving a gripping member. The gripping member is movable along the surface of the bowl for engaging the tubular. The apparatus is configured so that an upper portion of the gripping member will engage the tubular before the rest of the gripping member engages the tubular.

Abstract: A slip assembly for gripping pipe during well drilling operations has a housing with a hole for receiving a section of pipe. Pockets in the housing are spaced circumferentially around the hole. Each of the pockets has side walls that face toward each other and are connected to each other by a back wall that has at least one ramp surface. A slip segment is located in each pocket, each slip segment having side edges that engage the side walls of one of the pockets. Each slip segment has a back side with a ramp surface that engages the ramp surface on the back wall of the pocket. Each of the slip segments is movable within its pocket from an upper outward position to a lower inward position in gripping engagement with the pipe.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus for supporting a tubular includes a longitudinal opening extending therethrough. A bowl is formed on an inner wall of the housing to provide an incline surface for one or more gripping members. As the gripping members are move down along the incline, the incline causes the gripping members to move radially toward the tubular and contact the tubular. In one embodiment, the housing comprises two body portions coupled together using one or mores hinges. In one aspect, the bowl is formed as a recess in the inner wall of the housing. The hinges of the housing are progressively curved to accommodate the recess bowl, thereby increasing the tubular size handling capacity of the gripping apparatus. In another embodiment, the apparatus may include guide keys that mate with guide slots formed on an outer surface of the gripping members to minimize the rotational movement of the gripping members relative to the housing.

Abstract: A rod assembly driver which is alternately acting in two opposing directions includes two opposing grip jaws for a rod assembly, which grip jaws are hingedly connected to one another in the form of a parallelogram by pairs of plates.

Abstract: A gripper is disclosed for gripping a tubular, e.g. to facilitate rotation of the tubular, the gripper including a body, the body having conformable material having an initial body shape, and the conformable material able to change the initial body shape upon contacting a tubular with the body, the tubular having a tubular shape, the conformable material able to conform to the tubular shape of the tubular to facilitate gripping of the tubular with the gripper. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims, 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: A tubular handling apparatus comprising a slotted member having a plurality of elongated slots each extending in a direction, a recessed member slidably coupled to the slotted member and having a plurality of recesses each tapered in the direction from a shallow end to a deep end, and a plurality of rolling members each retained between one of the recesses and one of the slots, wherein each rolling member partially extends through the adjacent slot when located in the shallow end of the recess, and wherein each rolling member retracts within an outer perimeter of the slotted member when located in a deep end of the recess. The apparatus may further comprise a plurality of biasing elements each biasing a corresponding one of the rolling members towards the shallow end of the corresponding recess.

Abstract: A self-tightening safety tubular clamp for suspending a casing string or other tubular member within a well. In one embodiment, a base has an opening for receiving the casing string. A first gripping member and an opposing second gripping member are each adapted to frictionally engage the casing string. First and second pivot arms include parallel linkages for supporting the gripping members. Each parallel linkage is pivotally secured to the base at one pivot pair, and pivotally secured to one of the gripping members at an upper pivot pair. Frictional contact with the gripping members allows the weight of the casing string to move the pivot arms downward. As the pivot arms move downward, the gripping members move downward and inward into engagement with the casing string. The parallel linkages ensure that gripping surfaces of the gripping members remains vertical, in alignment.

Abstract: An apparatus for vertically supporting pipes in oil production rigs. The apparatus includes an outer frame and a centering device. In the area of an inner side of the outer frame, at least one wedge device is provided for clamping the pipe. The outer frame is connected to the centering device so as to be vertically aligned and facing upwardly. A wedge device may additionally include a positioning device and a carrier provided with at least one wedge.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a segmented bottom guide for directing the top of a tubular member into and through a bore in the bottom of a tapered bowl so that the tubular member can be engaged by pipe slips. One embodiment of the segmented bottom guide of the present invention comprises a bottom guide retainer having a plurality of chambers for being disposed intermediate the top of a bell guide and the bottom of the tapered bowl. The bottom guide segments are radially received into, and securable in, the retainer to therein and together form a generally conical frustum generally aligned with and intermediate the top of the bell guide and the opening of the tapered bowl.

Abstract: A method and device for preventing a pipe string (5) clampingly arranged in a slips (2) from slipping out of the slips (2) in the event of the pipe string (5) slipping in the slips (2), wherein a pipe clamp (22) is clamped, preferably hydraulically, onto the pipe string (5) at a position above the slips (2) and maintained in the clamped state for essentially as long as the pipe string (5) is held by the slips (2), the pipe clamp (22), in the event of the pipe string (5) slipping in the slips (2), being displaced together with the pipe string (5) until the pipe clamp/tong (22) stops against the wedges (16) of the slips (2).

Abstract: A tubing hanger apparatus and method for installing coiled tubing in oil and gas wells utilizes a tubing head assembly having a vertical flow passage therethrough, a hydraulically operated piston in an upper portion of the flow passage; a double tapered slip cup and an annular packoff assembly in a lower portion of the flow passage, and a contractible double tapered slip assembly disposed between the piston and slip cup. The piston, in a normally raised position and the slip in a normally radially expanded position allows coiled tubing to be lowered or raised therethrough and through the slip cup and packoff assembly. The piston is lowered by hydraulic pressure to apply a vertical force that radially contracts the slip assembly to grip the tubing and support the weight thereof and the weight is transferred through the slip cup to expand the packoff assembly and seal the tubing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for gripping one or more tubulars, which may include casing, during a tubular handling operation, drilling operation, and/or drilling with casing operation. The gripping apparatus comprises a housing having a bore extending therethrough and one or more gripping members which extend radially within the bore to grippingly engage a tubular or casing when activated. Adjustable guides attached to a portion of the gripping apparatus facilitate rotational movement of the casing during the drilling operation when the gripping members of the gripping apparatus are deactivated.

Abstract: One embodiment includes an apparatus comprising a surface slip to support drill tubing and having a communications instrument.

Abstract: A wedge device (1) for clamping of pipes (24) and tools during petroleum production, the wedge device (1) comprising an annular mounting element (4) arranged for connection to a deck (2) or a rotary table, where a plurality of main wedges (6), with associated clamps (22) and displaceable with respect to the annular mounting element (4), encircle the vertical central axis (8) of the wedge device (1), and where the clamp (22) is located on an auxiliary wedge (18) displaceably or rotatably coupled to the main wedge (6).

Abstract: A power slip that utilizes modified SDXL slips and regular drilling bowls that fits to the pin drive master bushings of the rotary table and utilizes the depth of the drive pin holes as part of the actuators, thus allowing the power slip to set lower for added clearance and safety during drilling operations. Cables are anchored to a base plate and slip linkages and slip connectors are pivotally mounted to the slips and to the top plate so that, when the lift cylinders are actuated, the slips are moved to the released position. This two-stage linkage and cable design maximizes the movement of the slip assemblies while minimizing vertical movement of the power slip's housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding in place a first casing while a second casing is connected to the first casing, including an annular clamp made up of three segments hingedly fit together to form a ring. The inner surface of each segment includes an insert within a dovetail which creates secure points of contact between the inner surface of the annular clamp and the exterior surface of the casing. The apparatus includes a carrier having two handles and a ring for transporting the annular clamp. The annular clamp can be positioned inside a bowl-shaped housing having a central circular opening adapted for receiving the annular clamp. An adapter plate can be used for retrofitting the apparatus to rigs of all makes and models.

Abstract: Slips (1, 21, 41) for engaging any jointed, coiled or flexible tubular with substantially no scoring, gouging or scraping, such as when supporting a drill string in a borehole or gripping a tubular (2, 22) during the connection or disconnection of a tool joint or pulling a cable or pipeline; additionally, applying a pre-determined minimum gripping force in order to avoid rotary slippage when the weight of the string is insufficient to achieve a conventional slips action; additionally, including a coarse wedge (30, 50) to take up the extra travel of a worn tool joint or a tubular of smaller diameter, with a means to ensure that the coarse wedge acts before the fine wedge (29, 49) does and a means to ensure that the wedging action remains if the actuating force is removed; additionally, including a secondary slips (40) to interfere with the upset on the tool joint to avoid relying on friction to support the string and a means of integrating this with the gripping slips and ensuring that the secondary slips act

Abstract: A slip spool includes radially disposed actuators for radially moving slip blocks between a loose encirclement position in which they surround the tubing string and a cached position in which the slip blocks clear an axial passage of the slip spool. The slip spool further includes axially disposed actuators for axially displacing the slip blocks between the loose encirclement position and an engagement position in which the slip blocks are seated within a slip bowl of the slip spool so that a weight of the suspended tubing string causes the slip blocks to tightly grip the tubing string. The slip spool facilitates positioning and repositioning of the tubing string in the wellbore and can be used for supporting or snubbing a tubing string in a live well bore.

Abstract: A method and device for preventing a pipe string (5) clampingly arranged in a slips (2) from slipping out of the slips (2) in the event of the pipe string (5) slipping in the slips (2), wherein a pipe clamp/tong (22) is clamped, preferably hydraulically, onto the pipe string (5) at a position above the slips (2) and maintained in the clamped state for essentially as long as the pipe string (5) is held by the slips (2), the pipe clamp/tong (22), in the event of the pipe string (5) slipping in the slips (2), being displaced together with the pipe string (5) until the pipe clamp/tong (22) stops against the wedges (16) of the slips (2).

Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanical apparatus for gripping and manipulating tubular members, such as drill pipe. The apparatus is essentially an automated slip puller, which generally comprises a slip base, a pulling mechanism pivotally attached to the slip base, and at least one cylinder or spring attached to the pulling mechanism. The entire apparatus is releasably connected to a rotary table located over a borehole. In a typical well drilling operation, the automated slip puller is attached to a slip assembly, which is thereafter placed around a drill pipe and positioned in the rotary table bushing. When the automated slip puller is activated, the pulling mechanism removes the slip assembly from the rotary table bushing and from around the drill pipe, thereby allowing the drill pipe to be manipulated in or out of the well bore. During operation, no portion of the automated slip puller is located outside the boundary of the rotary table.

Abstract: The spider, arranged for support on a drilling rig, is fitted with a plurality of slips peripherally distributed about a slip bowl. Each slip has a plurality of pipe gripping dies distributed vertically and resting on individual abutment surfaces on the slip. Each slip has a generally vertical slide way to receive mating surfaces on the die for radial constraint of the dies.

Abstract: A slips assembly which comprises a plurality of slip segments which, when positioned adjacent to each other, form a collar, which collar is larger than the diameter of the tubular body of the tubular at the top of the drill string and smaller than the diameter the upset shoulder of the said tubular, there being a segment moving means which can move the segments together to from a collar slidably located around the body of the said tubular, which slips assemblies can also be utilised in conjunction with, or as part of, the couplers referred to in prior patent applications, either to support, raise or lower the string below, or restraint, lower or raise the tubular, or stand of tubulars, above.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides an insert for a clamping device or gripping apparatus for conducting translational forces and/or torque into a moveable object, such as a tubular, casing, liner, pipe, expandable tubular, tubing, drill pipe. In one aspect, the insert comprises a base material and a plurality of gripping elements forming an object gripping surface. Gripping elements are at least partially embedded in the base material. The gripping elements in one embodiment are curved to correspond to an outer circumference of an object to be gripped. In one embodiment, the gripping elements are inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the insert. In another aspect, the gripping elements may comprise grains or particles of a hardened or super-hard material. The present invention also provides a method of making the insert and using the insert in a gripping apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably clamping and holding a member for wellbore operations, the apparatus having a main body, two opposed clamping apparatuses in the main body, the two opposed clamping apparatuses spaced-apart for selective receipt therebetween of a member to be clamped therebetweeen, each of the two opposed clamping apparatuses having a mount and piston apparatus movable within the mount, the piston apparatus selectively movable toward and away from a member to be clamped, two legs, the legs spaced-apart and each leg with an upper end and a lower end, each lower end connected to the main body, and each leg comprising an outer leg portion and an inner leg portion, the inner leg portion having part thereof movable within the outer leg portion to provide a range of up/down movement for the main body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding and turning a tubular and string of tubulars, such as casing, for make-up and drilling with the tubulars are disclosed. The apparatus generally includes a spear and a clamping head, both of which are mounted to a top drive. The spear and the clamping head can be engaged to transmit torque therebetween from the top drive. In addition, an aspect of the invention provides variable height wickers positioned on slips to enable use of the slips with variable inner diameter (ID) and weight casing without deformation or rupture of the casing. Still further, a casing collar is also provided to provide reinforcement to the casing in the area of slip contact with the casing ID.

Abstract: A disconnect device for use as part of a tubing string downhole in an oil or gas well and which comprises a tubular body, at least one slip held within the tubular body, and a sleeve housed within the tubular body to hold the at least one slip in coupling engagement with at least one of a coupling component of an upper sub and a coupling component of a lower sub, in use, the sleeve being selectively moveable relative to the at least one slip to release the slip and thereby release the coupling, wherein the slip cooperatively engages with at least one of the coupling component of the upper sub and the coupling component of the lower sub by means of at least one localized protrusion on the slip or on the coupling component extending into a corresponding shaped local depression or hole in the other of the at least one slip and the coupling component whereby tensile load and torque may be transmitted by the coupling, that part of the device which is to be released and left downhole by releasing the coupling engag

Abstract: A gripping apparatus for supporting a tubular includes a longitudinal opening extending therethrough. A bowl is formed on an inner wall of the housing to provide an incline surface for one or more gripping members. As the gripping members are move down along the incline, the incline causes the gripping members to move radially toward the tubular and contact the tubular. In one embodiment, the housing comprises two body portions coupled together using one or mores hinges. In one aspect, the bowl is formed as a recess in the inner wall of the housing. The hinges of the housing are progressively curved to accommodate the recess bowl, thereby increasing the tubular size handling capacity of the gripping apparatus. In another embodiment, the apparatus may include guide keys that mate with guide slots formed on an outer surface of the gripping members to minimize the rotational movement of the gripping members relative to the housing.

Abstract: A tubular handling device. The device includes a plurality of slips, and wherein the slips have an arcuate inner face that has a longitudinally disposed slot and a ledge therein. The device further comprises an insert having a shoulder that is configured to fit within the ledge, and wherein the insert is capable of transferring a load from the shoulder to the ledge. In one preferred embodiment, the outer portion of the slips have a taper of greater than 11 degrees and a complementary bowl insert is provided that has a matching taper. A method of handling tubular members on a drilling rig is also disclosed.

Abstract: Locking bracket for a slider in a dovetail slot (3), where a further dovetail slot (4) is arranged perpendicularly to the first dovetail slot (3), in which a locking bracket (5) can be displaced from a position whereby the glider is locked by the locking bracket (5) to a position where the glider is free to be moved passed the locking bracket (5) and that a screw (6) captures the locking bracket (5) through a countersunk hole in the locking bracket (5), whereby the locking bracket is maintained or released by loosening the screw (6).

Abstract: The preferred embodiment includes methods and apparatus for locating a member within an aperture. One preferred apparatus generally includes a housing containing at least one rotatably connected ring, and a plurality of tie members spaced evenly about the ring's perimeter. The tie members are connected to the rotating ring and the housing such that rotation of the ring pulls the tie members taut across the inside of the ring. Rotating the ring in the opposite direction returns the tie members to their initial orientation. When the tie members are taut they urge elements passing through an opening towards the center. When the apparatus is installed in a drilling rig floor, it results in a simpler and more effective pipe centering technology than currently exists allowing pipe strings to be centered in the slip bowl or power slips so that the slips are easily and securely installed about the pipe string.

Abstract: In order to prevent premature separation of the slip and slip spring and to simplify production of the slip casing, a self-centering spring engageable with a packer tool slip is modified according to the present invention. A groove located at a lower center of the slip below the pocket of the slip cooperates with the spring to retain the spring against the slip and is centered within the pocket without requiring partitions or further welding of lugs to retain the springs.

Abstract: A coiled tubing injector assembly includes a coiled tubing injector and a tubing guide. The tubing guide has an automatic clamping mechanism that includes a pair of clamping slips. The clamping slip will automatically move from an open position in which coiled tubing can pass through the clamping sips, to a closed position in which the clamping slips positively clamp the coiled tubing to the tubing guide. The clamping mechanism moves from the open to the closed position when the tubing guide is lifted from an installation platform in which the coiled tubing is positioned in the tubing guide so that it can be positioned on top of the coiled tubing injector. The clamping mechanism will automatically clamp the coiled tubing to the tubing guide when the tubing guide is removed from the coiled tubing injector.

Abstract: An insert bowl, bushing, or spider includes a bowl having a central bore defined by an inner surface having an upper tapered section for engaging slips supporting a work string and a lower section. A wear indicator, such as a groove or substantially horizontal groove, is formed in the inner surface of the bowl and provides a visual indicator of wear to the bowl. A second wear indicator, such as a groove or substantially horizontal groove, may also be formed in the inner surface of the bowl. The inability to visually detect all or a portion of the wear indicator signifies that maximum recommended wear to the bowl has been reached and the bowl should be replaced to avoid damage to the work string.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for gripping one or more tubulars, which may include casing, during a tubular handling operation, drilling operation, and/or drilling with casing operation. The gripping apparatus comprises a housing having a bore extending therethrough and one or more gripping members which extend radially within the bore to grippingly engage a tubular or casing when activated. Adjustable guides attached to a portion of the gripping apparatus facilitate rotational movement of the casing during the drilling operation when the gripping members of the gripping apparatus are deactivated.

Abstract: A slip element and a method of manufacturing same according to which two or more inserts are placed in corresponding openings formed in a body member. The material forming the insert in one of the openings is stronger than the material forming the insert in another of the openings.

Abstract: A clamp for supporting a subsea wellhead and attached casing string preparatory to installing same in a well, and slip bowl assembly for running a drill pipe cementing string inside the casing string. The clamp comprises two hinged together clamp halves with a connector to permit the clamp to be locked about a subsea wellhead. Half-circle cutouts in each clamp half form a clamp bore when the clamp is closed. The clamp bore has a grooved profile to mate with a grooved profile on the exterior of the subsea wellhead. When the subsea wellhead is clamped in place, with the clamp resting on the rig floor, a slip bowl assembly having a grooved base plate is placed atop the clamp.

Abstract: The spider for large pipe has a base that straddles a slip bowl and supports an overarm that extends part way around pipe to be supported. The overarm is pivotally attached to the base and is moved vertically by an air bag or power cylinders to move a slip assembly into and out of the tapered bore of the slip bowl to releasably support a pipe string.

Abstract: An elevator apparatus for manipulating well bore tubing includes a circular body having a top and a central cavity around a body axis. The cavity has a diameter allowing the collar portion of the tubing to pass longitudinally therethrough. A plurality of cavity restricting members above the body, supported on and spaced apart around the top of the body, have proximal and distal portions in respect to the cavity. One or more actuators are operatively associated with the petal plates for moving the proximal portion of each cavity restricting member into the cavity an extent sufficient, in combination with the other cavity restricting members so moved, to prevent passage of the collar portion of the tubing through the cavity, thereby to hold the tubing with the elevator.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus for supporting a tubular includes a longitudinal opening extending therethrough. A bowl is formed on an inner wall of the housing to provide an incline surface for one or more gripping members. As the gripping members are move down along the incline, the incline causes the gripping members to move radially toward the tubular and contact the tubular. In one embodiment, the housing comprises two body portions coupled together using one or mores hinges. In one aspect, the bowl is formed as a recess in the inner wall of the housing. The hinges of the housing are progressively curved to accommodate the recess bowl, thereby increasing the tubular size handling capacity of the gripping apparatus. In another embodiment, the apparatus may include guide keys that mate with guide slots formed on an outer surface of the gripping members to minimize the rotational movement of the gripping members relative to the housing.

Abstract: A bushing for retaining a spider and comprising a basket portion having an opening in its upper end and a base at its lower end, there being a further opening in the base to allow a tubing string to extend substantially axially through the basket portion. The bushing further comprises a flange extending at least partially around the upper opening, wherein the bushing can be suspended through an opening in a rig floor to be supported by the flange.

Abstract: A rotary slip for supporting a drill string having a plurality of slip segments connected to define an opening for insertion of the drill string, wherein each slip segment comprises a head region, a toe region, and an inner radial surface axially extending between the head and toe regions, and wherein the inner radial surface of each slip segment comprises a circumferential groove. A plurality of axially aligned drill string gripping inserts are attached to each slip segment between the head region and the circumferential groove, wherein each insert comprises a gripping surface for contacting the drill string. A load ring is disposed within the circumferential groove of each slip element, the load ring comprising at least one securing element which is engaged by one of the plurality of axially aligned inserts to secure the load ring within the circumferential groove.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for gripping one or more tubulars, which may include casing, during a tubular handling operation, drilling operation, and/or drilling with casing operation. The gripping apparatus comprises a housing having a bore extending therethrough and one or more gripping members which extend radially within the bore to grippingly engage a tubular or casing when activated. Adjustable guides attached to a portion of the gripping apparatus facilitate rotational movement of the casing during the drilling operation when the gripping members of the gripping apparatus are deactivated.

Abstract: A method of supporting an pipe in a bowl without marking the surface of the pipe by providing a pair of intermediate surfaces between the sloping surface of the bowl and the contact surface with the pipe. The intermediate surfaces are approximately perpendicular to each other in order to amplify the force against the pipe in comparison to the force from the bowl.

Abstract: A tubular handling device. The device includes a plurality of slips, and wherein the slips have an arcuate inner face that has a longitudinally disposed slot and a ledge therein. The device further comprises an insert having a shoulder that is configured to fit within the ledge, and wherein the insert is capable of transferring a load from the shoulder to the ledge. In one preferred embodiment, the outer portion of the slips have a taper of greater than 11 degrees and a complementary bowl insert is provided that has a matching taper. A method of handling tubular members on a drilling rig is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of supporting an elongated member in a bowl without marking the surface of the elongated member by providing a pair of intermediate surfaces between the tapered surface of the bowl and the contact surface with the elongated member which are approximately perpendicular to each other in order to amplify the force against the pipe in comparison to the force from the bowl.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling tubular goods which includes an elongate body having a coupling end adapted for mating engagement with a tubular good. The coupling end includes a structural member, a flexible cylindrical cage and a pressure member. Longitudinal strips joined at their opposed ends form the cage coaxial with and connected to the structural member of the body. The coaxial pressure member is disposed in an annulus between the structural member and the cage. The pressure member is adapted to cause radial displacement of the cage, thereby exerting a gripping force to maintain the mating engagement between the tubular good and the coupling end enabling a transfer of force between the body and the tubular good.

Abstract: A gripping apparatus for supporting a tubular includes a longitudinal opening extending therethrough. A bowl is formed on an inner wall of the housing to provide an incline surface for one or more gripping members. As the gripping members are move down along the incline, the incline causes the gripping members to move radially toward the tubular and contact the tubular. In one embodiment, the housing comprises two body portions coupled together using one or mores hinges. In one aspect, the bowl is formed as a recess in the inner wall of the housing. The hinges of the housing are progressively curved to accommodate the recess bowl, thereby increasing the tubular size handling capacity of the gripping apparatus. In another embodiment, the apparatus may include guide keys that mate with guide slots formed on an outer surface of the gripping members to minimize the rotational movement of the gripping members relative to the housing.

Abstract: An improved snubbing unit including a snubbing unit base, a lifting assembly having a platform positioned above the base, a rotary table positioned on the snubbing unit, and a first slip assembly positioned on the rotary table. The first slip assembly further includes a base plate with a center aperture formed therein, at least two separate slip frames positioned on the base plate around the center aperture, wherein each of the slip frames includes a slip surface, and a die carrier positioned within each of the slip frames, wherein each of the die carriers also includes a surface for engagement with the slip surfaces of said slip frames. Additionally, a second slip assembly will be positioned on the snubbing unit.